Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Following Sexual Assault Allegations, Sparking Bipartisan Backlash
Why It Matters
The suspension of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s California governor campaign is sending shockwaves through the state’s Democratic Party, raising serious questions about accountability, political hypocrisy, and the durability of the party’s ruling establishment. The fallout extends beyond one congressman, touching prominent figures across California’s political machine and potentially reshaping the crowded 2026 gubernatorial primary field.
With Swalwell’s name remaining on the June 2 primary ballot despite his suspension, California voters and party officials are now navigating an unusual and politically damaging situation heading into one of the nation’s most closely watched state elections.
What Happened
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced Sunday the suspension of his campaign for California governor following a wave of sexual assault allegations made by multiple women, including a former staffer. Swalwell acknowledged what he called “mistakes in judgement in the past” but issued a defiant rebuttal of the specific allegations leveled against him.
The reaction from both sides of the aisle was largely uniform: many questioned why it took so long. Democrats and Republicans alike expressed frustration that the congressman had remained in the race as long as he did in the face of mounting accusations.
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks issued a statement saying Swalwell had “finally done the right thing by ending his campaign for Governor,” calling his “reprehensible actions” proof that he is “unqualified and unfit to seek or hold public office in California.” Hicks also called on Democrats to avoid voting for Swalwell in the primary, stating the congressman should “receive as little support as possible at the ballot box.”
By the Numbers
At least 4 women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual assault or misconduct, including a former staffer who alleges he raped her.
More than $1 million was spent supporting Swalwell’s campaign by billionaire donor Stephen Cloobeck, who told The Post he is now leaving the Democratic Party entirely over the scandal.
June 2 is the date of the California primary election, on which Swalwell’s name will still appear despite his campaign suspension.
2 political science professors from California universities — Larry Gerston of San José State and Jason McDaniel of San Francisco State — independently assessed that the suspension was an inevitable outcome given the scale of the allegations and internal party pressure.
The Political Fallout
Steve Hilton, a leading Republican candidate in the California governor’s race, did not hold back in his assessment. “It just shows you the disgusting arrogance of these career politicians — they have total contempt for the voters, assuming they can do whatever they want and get away with it,” Hilton said in a statement to The Post.
Hilton further alleged that prominent Democrats, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff, along with major labor organizations such as teacher unions and the SEIU, were aware of the allegations and continued offering endorsements and financial support despite what he called an “open secret on Capitol Hill and Sacramento.” He labeled the subsequent condemnations “fake outrage.” None of those named have confirmed Hilton’s characterization.
Eccentric billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, who had bankrolled over $1 million into Swalwell’s campaign, told The Post he was “sickened” and announced he is walking away from the Democratic Party altogether. “F— you, Democrat Party. I’m a libertarian now,” Cloobeck said in an exclusive interview.
Assemblymember James Gallagher, a Republican from Yuba City, called on Swalwell to resign his congressional seat entirely. “If he doesn’t resign, I believe he’ll be kicked out,” Gallagher said, drawing a parallel to Rep. Tom Gonzalez (R-TX), who is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over separate sexual misconduct allegations.
Zoom Out
The Swalwell collapse is the latest in a series of high-profile political scandals raising questions about elite accountability in one-party dominated states. California, long a symbol of progressive governance, is facing increasing scrutiny over how its political establishment handles misconduct allegations against its own members. Political observers note that the breadth of the reaction — with donors, party chairs, and rival candidates all demanding Swalwell’s exit — reflects a growing public intolerance for powerful figures insulated from consequences.
Nationally, the episode adds fuel to broader debates about the economic and political costs of unchecked government power, as voters across the country grow increasingly skeptical of career politicians who operate with little accountability to the constituents they serve.
What’s Next
Professor Larry Gerston predicted that progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and former congresswoman Katie Porter stand to benefit most from Swalwell’s exit, given their political overlap with his base. Gerston added that the central remaining question is “when he will literally drop out” of the race entirely, not just suspend his campaign.
Hilton and other Republicans see an opening. Gallagher noted that “we could be looking at the top two being Republicans” in the June 2 primary — an outcome that would be historically remarkable in California’s governor’s race. With Swalwell unable to be removed from the ballot, party leaders are urging Democratic voters to direct their support elsewhere as the primary approaches.